5 inches of snow are forecast - what do I do??
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16140
Printed Date: 17 Jun 2025 at 1:47pm
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Topic: 5 inches of snow are forecast - what do I do??
Posted By: Mystical_Mama
Subject: 5 inches of snow are forecast - what do I do??
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2025 at 1:48pm
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I just got my brand new (to me) 2021 RPod 192 home. I live on top of a mountain in SoCal and 5 inches of snow are forecast this Sunday night. Then rain and snow for about 5 days. Temps will range from a low of 29F to a high of 46F between Sunday - Thursday. I emptied the tanks yesterday but then filled the black tank with 3 gallons of water bc a friend said "NEVER LEAVE YOUR BLACK TANK EMPTY'" I did not purge the lines yet but I will do so. I did not use the shower but I assume I should turn on that faucet too and will do so today Tonight my BIL will help me put a cover on her. What else can I do or should I do?????  ------------- "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - Marianne Williamson |
Replies:
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2025 at 7:10pm
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Many have weathered 29 degrees and lower without damage as long as daytime temps are above freezing. Having owned our 177 for over 14 years I tend to err on the side of being overly cautious. That being said, IF i were you I would: - open low point drains to rid system of water, drain hw tank and then moving your two or three valve system to winterization mode, finally run RV pink antifreeze through both H and C lines utilizing the pigtail that is located downstream of your 3 way valve that is found just in front of your water pump. To do all the above will take less than 30 minutes. You will use about 2 gallons of RV antifreeze. I wish you well. Any other questions or concerns please ask away. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2025 at 7:13pm
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As far as leaving the black tank empty, I leave all three of my tanks empty every winter here in northern Michigan, where we get much colder and longer than where you are located. After 14 winters, no damage. Drain the tank, if you don't you run the potential of busting the drain valve, unless the liquid in the tank has a good water/antifreeze ratio. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Mystical_Mama
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2025 at 8:14pm
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I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Most of what you wrote is beyond my knowledge. I think I have to order an owners manual bc mine did not come with one. 1. What is a low point drain? 2. Where is the hot water tank?? If I drained the feresh water and purged the lines, wouldnt that also drain the hot water? 3. 2 or 3 valve system??? winterization "mode"? Is that a switch? I know I have a battery switch that turns the batteries off so they don't drain while in storage... 4. I def dont have the pink fluid and unless walmart carries it, will have to order it. I live in a small town. Closest "city" is an hour away and I am sure there is an RV supply store in bakersfield somewhere but i wont be getting off the mountain until after this strom. 5. what is a pigtail? Or what does it look like? I dont know where my water pump is yet...usually they are hidden behind something or under something. I think mine must be hidden behind a piece of plywood. I am heartened to hear that likely it wont do too much damage or any damage bc temps will rise each day above freezing. As soon as this storm passes, Ill be having a mobile RV tech come up the mountain to teach and show me things but thats not til mid- March. ------------- "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - Marianne Williamson |
Posted By: Mystical_Mama
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2025 at 8:15pm
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I know I could drain the black tank illegally onto my driveway but I'd rather not. Would it be better to add more water into it instead?? ------------- "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - Marianne Williamson |
Posted By: Mystical_Mama
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2025 at 8:28pm
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Actually, on another forum I am being told to add the pink stuff to my balck tank and luckily the small town Walmart has it in stock so Ill get it tomorrow! ------------- "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - Marianne Williamson |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2025 at 8:39pm
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Also, you can use air pressure instead of RV antifreeze to purge the water out of the lines. If you do so, keep the pressure to no more than 60 psi and keep at least one valve open. There is an adapter that will fit the outside water connection and has the quick-connect for a standard air hose. They are not expensive. If you use air to purge the lines, then all you need is a little antifreeze in the toilet bowl and in the P traps for the shower drain and for the sink drains. Don't neglect to open the valve for the toilet's flush so that the valve does not get damaged by freezing. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2025 at 10:57am
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You need to learn all this stuff, because you will need it, but 29° lows are nothing to worry about. You might put a little electric heater on low on the floor and open the panels to the pump and the water heater, and keep the bathroom door open, but you're highly unlikely to have any trouble if it only gets down to 29°. You could open the low point drains and open the faucets, since your[e not camping, but it's almost certainly not necessary. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2025 at 9:41am
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Mystical, Sorry to have scared you. Once your tech comes to service your trailer takes notes on what they do. Write it down AND visually record it on your phone for quick reference. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Mystical_Mama
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2025 at 12:38pm
No worries! Luckily, my BIL came up to help me cover the RV before the storm and he found 2 handles that I'd never seen or noticed. When he turned them on, about 6 gallons drained out - which I am now assuming was the water heater water! Tractor Supply had the pink stuff and I poured into my black tank and the drains. Crossing fingers that everything survived bc the storm ended up being much colder than earlier predicted. Now a second winter storm is appr0aching today but it is warmer with less snow forecast. and a 3rd storm is forecast for next week!! But after that, I will have my appointment with the RV tech and get all the good information! The learning curve is steep but I am up for the challenge so I really do appreciate all comments, even when I dont understand them. I can at least show the RV tech and ask him to show me or explain the things you mentioned! ------------- "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - Marianne Williamson |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2025 at 1:13pm
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Congratulations! You got this !! ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |